Roxanne Victor

How to Choose the Best Home Coffee Machine

The best small espresso machine home coffee machine is one that will fit your style of brewing and work well in your kitchen. The most important considerations are size capacity and design.

During our lab testing the espresso maker that is a prosumer wowed us with its speed and accuracy. The Sage Bambino heats up quickly and efficiently, powerfully steams milk, and produces fantastic 19-bar extractions.

Pod (or capsule) machines

If you prefer the speed and convenience of making coffee using pre-ground pods, a pod maker is a good option. These machines remove the mess that comes with making coffee by removing the need for portafilters as well as complicated burr grinders that need to be cleaned regularly to eliminate coffee oils. These machines require less maintenance. Regular cleaning and descaling of water reservoirs is a good idea.

These brewers come with their limitations, however. They generally only work with specific types of coffee pods, typically in the K-Cup, Nespresso capsule or ESE (easy-serve espresso) formats. This isn't a problem if you stick to a particular brand of coffee, but it can be a problem if you are interested in trying a range.

The pod machines are also less durable and come with smaller water tanks. They can also take longer to brew. This isn't an issue if you're in a hurry in the morning, but it could be a problem when you have a long workday ahead.

We recommend that you think about the size of your coffee bar prior to purchasing a pod maker, as some are slimmer than others and can be tucked within the space of other appliances on your counter. Consider the amount you are willing to spend and the kind of drinks you'd like to make. Our former editor for ecommerce Louise stays caffeinated on a budget with the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which lets her serve espresso shots of either length or short and includes an efficient milk frother for lattes.

This sleek, elegant pod-machine offers both high-spec and low maintenance. It's not cheap, but it is a stylish addition to any kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design will stand out on your counter. It can make five different drinks with the press of one button. Each capsule is equipped with an underside barcode which the machine uses to determine the beverage to be served. It's a great choice for sustainability enthusiasts, as the pods decompose and breakdown rapidly. The reusable mug also makes it a good option.

Manual Espresso Machines

Manual machines can be a great experience that allows you to practice the art of brewing espresso. Manual espresso machines take longer but they can also produce drinks of the highest quality. They are also more durable than other kinds of coffee brewers, with designs that can withstand heavy use.

Manual espresso machines are, however, not as user-friendly as automated espresso machines, and typically lack precise temperature controls. This makes it difficult to produce consistent, good-quality espresso shots. The most reliable manual espresso machine comes with steep learning curve and can be costly to purchase and maintain.

If you're a coffee aficionado looking to explore the world of manual espresso, try a newer machine designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Certain models come with a built-in milk steamer and grinder, making them easy to use for new coffee drinkers. Some models come with a water reservoir that is removable that makes it easier to clean and refill. Some are programmable, allowing you to set the time when the brewing cycle to start prior to waking.

Some manual espresso makers can be quite large, which makes them ideal for larger families or coffee carts. Some are smaller and require less counter space. Consider how many people are planning to serve at one time when you decide on the size of your machine as well. You might want to consider a bigger model when you have more than one family member or roommate who enjoys brewing espresso.

A few of the cheapest espresso machines come with a frother programable that can automatically heat milk and then froth it to your desired consistency. This type of machine works well for cappuccinos, lattes and is also suitable for those with sensitive teeth. This kind of machine isn't ideal for those who prefer more of a thicker espresso. It produces less foam.

Automatic Espresso Machines

In this category you'll find fully automated espresso machines that control the entire brewing process, from grinding to extraction. They come with user-friendly interfaces and require minimal maintenance other than regular cleaning and descaling. They are great for people who don't like to get their hands dirty or have a small counter space for a full size espresso machine and coffee maker.

The top models can be programmed and have settings for different drinks that can be saved into "user profiles." They're also more likely to be Wi-Fi compatible which means you can control them via your smartphone. All this automation and programmability can be expensive: These machines are more expensive than semi-automatics or manuals.

The Eveversys Cameo is one of our favorites automatic espresso makers. It's a sleek and visually pleasing machine that takes up minimal space on your counter. Additionally, it gets 5/5 in our user-friendliness ratings, which is second only to the Miele. It is a high-output machine with three different grinds and hoppers. You can pick which one you want to use by using the touchscreen display. It's not only easy to use, it's also self-monitoring and calibrates itself automatically which means you won't have to worry about fiddling with the knob or pressing buttons.

Cuisinart Spinn is another option in this category. This little pill-shaped machine uses centrifugal force to make espresso, which is distinct from the traditional method of forcing water down through grounds. With some practice, it can produce various drinks like cappuccino and Latte. This machine was tested in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and scored a perfect 5 in our test for ease-of-use. This machine is also small in comparison to espresso maker specifications. It won't take much space on your counter.

It's worth experimenting with various types to find one that fits your preferences, budget, and available space. Also, think about aesthetics. You'll want something that fits seamlessly with your home decor and coffee cart. And don't forget to measure your countertop to make sure the machine you choose will be a good fit.

Pour-Over Machines

If you want to brew your coffee with total control, a pour-over machine is an excellent choice. Pour-over devices such as the Hario V60 or Chemex Funnex permit you to alter a variety of variables (coffee to water ratio and filter time, brewing duration) which allows the brewing process to be customized. They tend to produce more vibrant flavors and aromas than drip machines.

The best pod coffee machines uk pour-over brewers allow you to get high-quality results. They feature a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water to the closest degree, and a precise pressure gauge that lets you know when the amount you want to pour water has been put into the brewer. They also have a large enough portafilter that can hold a regular coffee mug, and they provide enough space between the drip tray and the portafilter to allow direct brewing into your coffee mug.

They also come with a reusable charcoal filter to eliminate impurities from the water. This is important since coffee makers with a poor-quality filter can leave a bitter taste in your cup. Additionally, the best small espresso machine pour-over brewers use materials that are safe to wash in dishwashers and don't leak or hold on to coffee odors.

A well-designed pour-over brewer should be easy to clean and it should also be a pleasure to use. We found that the majority of the models we tested were easy to hold in one hand, and had the right size and shape for an kitchen counter. Some of the simplest models, like the Zojirushi Zutto, even has tiny footprints which makes it perfect for small spaces. Others, like the Melitta Cafe Filter have a removable handle that makes it easier to lift and change the filter.

Philips 3200 Series is another model we like because it features a user-friendly display and a built-in grinder. It can brew espressos, Americanos, and black coffee at the touch of a button. It also has an integrated steam wand that can be used for cappuccinos and lattes. The model comes with a variety of settings that can be customized, including different beverage strengths and sizes. It is also able to start making coffee up to 24 hours in advance.